Cristom

Cristom Vineyards, established in 1992 in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Oregon, is renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, crafted with a focus on terroir-driven expression and sustainable farming practices.

History of Cristom Vineyards

Founded by Paul Gerrie, Cristom Vineyards was born from a desire to craft wines that honor the land and reflect the unique terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The name Cristom combines the names of Gerrie’s children, Christine and Tom, signifying the family’s integral role in the estate.

Cristom’s winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in tradition and innovation. Led by winemaker Steve Doerner, who joined the winery at its inception, Cristom has championed techniques such as whole-cluster fermentation and minimal intervention to craft wines of complexity and elegance. Over the decades, the estate has earned international acclaim for its focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting the distinct characteristics of each site.

Region and Vineyards

Cristom Vineyards is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, a sub-region of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The estate spans 240 acres, with 90 acres planted to vines on the eastern-facing slopes. The vineyards benefit from the Van Duzer Corridor, which channels cool ocean breezes, moderating temperatures and preserving acidity in the grapes.

The estate features five single vineyards, each named after a family member:

  • Eileen Vineyard: Situated at the highest elevation, offering bright and elegant wines.
  • Jessie Vineyard: Known for its steep slopes and complex soils, producing structured and earthy wines.
  • Louise Vineyard: The estate’s lowest vineyard, producing richly textured wines.
  • Marjorie Vineyard: Home to some of the oldest vines, delivering wines of depth and finesse.
  • Paul Gerrie Vineyard: The newest addition, showcasing the future potential of Cristom’s terroir.

Wine Range of Cristom Vineyards

Cristom produces a wide range of wines that emphasize the uniqueness of its vineyards:

  • Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir: Each vineyard is vinified separately to capture its distinct character, including Eileen, Jessie, Louise, Marjorie, and Paul Gerrie.
  • Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir: A flagship blend representing the broader Cristom estate.
  • Chardonnay: Crafted with precision and showcasing the bright acidity and minerality of Oregon’s volcanic soils.
  • Syrah: A limited production wine that highlights Cristom’s innovation beyond Pinot Noir.

Did you know?

Cristom integrates biodynamic and organic farming practices across its estate, focusing on sustainability and vineyard health. The vineyards are home to chickens and sheep, which naturally manage pests and fertilize the soil, creating a thriving ecosystem that enhances vine quality.

 
USA
94 James Suckling
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir captures the heart of Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills, delivering a blend of vibrant red fruit, earthy undertones, and elegant structure, crafted from a selection of estate and neighboring vineyards.
Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
50,90 €
USA
93 James Suckling
Cristom Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020
Cristom Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020
From volcanic soils and biodynamically farmed vineyards, Cristom Chardonnay offers a complex profile of lemon curd, brioche, and minerality, showcasing the distinctive terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020
54,00 €
USA
94 James Suckling
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
From the iconic Louise Vineyard, this Pinot Noir reveals layers of cherry, spices, and earthy tones, embodying the essence of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
97,90 €
USA
94+ Robert Parker
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a remarkable expression of Willamette Valley terroir, showcasing the elegance, depth, and complexity that define Oregon Pinot Noir.
Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
97,90 €
USA
95 Robert Parker
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a captivating expression of Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills, combining vibrant red fruit, refined tannins, and volcanic minerality with a polished elegance.
Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
97,90 €
USA
95 Robert Parker
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a masterpiece of structure and elegance, combining vibrant red fruit, floral aromatics, and earthy complexity from one of the most distinctive sites in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
97,90 €
USA
96 Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Crafted from the most wind-swept vines on the Cristom Estate, Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir combines structure, finesse, and depth with a balance of fruit and savory characteristics.
Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
97,90 €